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Had she been paying attention Ryu would have noticed the little magical wisps floating from Elsa's body trailing out of the window, but she was too eager to leave for the night and play with Bruni and the earth giants.

Instead of flying she decided to walk through the tranquil forest attracting the usual little twinkling passengers that enjoyed the warmth of her chest and shoulders.

Her search for the other spirits led her to a grassy hill. Winds of nature's own making swayed the flowers and leaves gently. Feeling nothing but peace after a nice long exhale Ryu craned her neck up and mapped the sky's stars seeing what story they told tonight.

A small smile graced her muzzle. She had seen many places some would consider paradise, and many searched for their own heavens on earth endlessly. Ryu felt lucky that from her frantic running she happened to just stumble upon a place that had everything she wanted and more.

The smile vanished when her keen vision caught the white glint of a shadow disappearing just behind the treeline.

Something wasn't right. Ryu had grown accustomed to always catching any hints of movement in her peripherals and could easily decipher the cause, be it a rabbit, elk, reindeer, a person even, but this…

A hypervigilant growl rumbled in her chest. Slowly she followed where the shadow went ducking low to stalk in the grass. This wasn't her territory by any means but the urge to patrol it and track down any inconsistencies or potential intruders could not be ignored.

Sniffing the ground only created more questions than answers. She smelt… magic? Pure unfiltered magic. It tickled a familiarization in the back of her brain.

Following the scent had led Ryu to a location she knew all too well. Her old den.

The sounds of rushing water met her ears first. Nostalgia momentarily threw Ryu off of her mission. Until the creak of disturbed brush and twigs had her leaping out of sight tucking into bush.

Ryu's pupils dilated to the max in wonder at the sight that befell her. Her jaw dropped open, amazed and somewhat questioning her sanity.

Their body was slender yet incredibly large and well muscled. Pure white filled Ryu's vision. Shaking her head she closed her eyes wondering if when she opened them again the apparition would be gone.

They weren't.

This wasn't possible.

When they ducked their head down it was then she noticed the triangular scales adorning like crests from their forehead all the way to the tip of their tail which swayed ending in a sharp spear.

When they flapped their wings Ryu worried that the bush which concealed her would gust away. She gulped audibly, studying the powerful wings, they looked decorative, ending in a dusty sparkling purple covering the creature's back like a cape. If someone had said this impossibility standing before her was of royal descent Ryu would have to believe them from the telling signs of how they moved purposely with grace and elegance.

A royal dragon.

Ryu immediately began memorizing the face, elongated muzzle which resembled a wolf's in a way. Their eyes rang off alarm bells. So blue, the color made Ryu's heart thunder aggressively in her chest.

Looking down she saw Bruni had joined in on the stalking. He glanced up at Ryu then back at the intruder. Ryu nearly fell away from her hiding place when she desperately tried to stop the spirit from crawling towards their target. It was those lethally sharp white claws that made her worry for Bruni as he approached the stranger.

Ryu's chest began to light up as the creature ducked its head down towards her friend. Both Bruni and the stranger were caught by surprise when Ryu bursted from the bushes roaring threateningly, she showed her fangs and how sharp they were. Her scales rattled when she shot a warning wall of flames a few feet from where the pair stood. The strange dragon blew its breath releasing a large plume of ice and crystals extinguishing the flames, their eyes questioning Ryu's actions.

The flames abruptly halted in Ryu's throat when Bruni leapt onto the beautiful beast's muzzle while it tilted its head. Smoke puffed up from his tiny hot paws when they touched the white scales.

That's when she finally noticed a small trail of snowy particles which started at the the beast's form heading for… she wasn't too sure but it definitely led somewhere.

Bruni's new friend didn't seem to enjoy having Ryu's split attention and warbled at her approaching.

Ryu backed away, hissing weakly alarmed by the chilly air that seemed to orbit around the dragon.

Wait a second…

Her mind began connecting a few theories together. She bolted, taking off into the sky, her wings flapping furiously not caring about the sad roar which called after her. She needed answers and she needed them now.

Perching on the roof she carefully slinked towards the cracked window and there it was. Small trails of white and blue sparkling in the night leading inside right to…

Elsa was fast asleep but her dreams didn't look peaceful from the way her brows furrowed and mouth frowned.

The air chilled considerably, making Ryu cringe. Slowly she turned around and there it was sitting patiently on its haunches in the yard blinking up at her.

Groaning Ryu jumped down encircling the ice dragon like a shark, sniffing and probing at it with her paws, trying to figure out if this was Elsa or just one of her creations.

When she got too close to its rear the ice dragon let out an indignant yelp and stood glaring at Ryu, tail tucked.

Yep this is Elsa.

She had seen that expression before cross Elsa's face far too many times to not recognize it on the spot.

Ryu sat down looking around awkwardly. What did they do now? Should she go inside and wake Elsa up or keep Dragon-Elsa? Company.

It wasn't as if this was a real dragon, yet there was this tightening in Ryu's chest everytime she looked at her.

It was Ryu's turn to complain when she was knocked off her feet by Dragon-Elsa's large muzzle, who ended the jape with a play bow.

When she recovered Ryu playfully growled and gave chase seeking revenge, her instincts saying to pursue until her target was apprehended. Rumbles and small roars escaped her throat as her claws dug into the earth giving her enough traction to reach full speed. As she caught up with her trail a brightly lit up Bruni joined the sprint through the forest. They kept on the pace until it slowed. Ryu looked around sniffing the air for any scent markers of where Elsa went.

Now how did she lose a big white dragon that easily? Ryu remained unsuspecting of the pile of snow that landed on her head. Shaking it off of herself.

There she is!

The cheeky Dragon-Elsa laughed melodious, prancing like a deer in circles daring Ryu to confront her. Her slender strong tail swayed languidly behind her.

It was useless now she had been caught by surprise but that didn't stop Ryu's eyes from slitting, or her body from lowering to the ground. Her shoulders wiggled and tail flicked irritably.

Once close enough she pounced on the sneaky Dragon-Elsa's back trying to wrestle her to the ground, not an easy thing to do when she was twice her size.

Elsa giggled inwardly, allowing Ryu to clamber all over her neck and back to chew on her ear. She could tell Ryu was being gentle, unsure of how much this dream version of her could take. Elsa was willing to test those boundaries just simply happy that her girlfriend was back to her usually playful self.

Elsa still felt a tinge of guilt for scaring Ryu as she did. Even though in dreams anything was possible she still found herself shocked to receive such an aggressive response from her gecko. The disbelief shining in her eyes was enough to bring tears to Elsa's, it was enough to make Elsa wish one could share their dreams with another, so then Ryu could play and galavant with her own kind.

They took turns chasing each other through grassy fields nipping at the other's tail and heels or both competing to see who was agile enough to catch Bruni under their paw. It was always Ryu who won, who despite being smaller was faster and more agile than Elsa was in this new form. It had taken her nearly an hour just to learn how to walk on all fours and control her tail.

There was one gift Elsa longed to give Ryu and while she couldn't give it in reality she could live out the fantasy here in sleep.

Elsa roared softly catching her attention from rolling like a dog on the ground to scratch an itch. Elsa shook her head grinning.

When Ryu joined her side she followed her stare to the sky above and nudged her head upward. Ryu bounced in place loving the idea and without a second hesitation she spread her wings and took off downward on the cliff face.

Ryu glanced back, flapping her wings to hoover in place. She chirped at Elsa who was looking at the water below worriedly.

Okay Elsa this is a dream, so logically speaking you can fly. I can fly.

Elsa wiggled her rear and spread her large wings. Concentrating, she attempted to move her body as she had seen Ryu do a thousand times.

She yelped, face warming in embarrassment when her torso tilted straight down. Her claws clenched the rocks tightly pulling her back up to solid ground.

Maybe it was just a matter of where she pointed her snout, like feet which point to where they wanted to go, and usually went in that direction. So she did just that, thrusting her muzzle up at the full moon, taking a deep breath.

Again she tried ending in the same result. Ryu landed back beside her, standing purposefully, she tucked her wings in this time finding the easiest maneuver to teach to be her favorite.

Elsa watched her fall off of the cliff and once catching enough wind spreading her wings. The air beneath them propelling her upward. Elsa watched, mesmerized, a bit daunted and gulped.

Tipping towards the edge she mimicked all that had been demonstrated.

Ryu winced at Elsa's yip when her body crashed into the waves. She didn't really understand how she was to teach Elsa when she had learned mostly from throwing herself into the air hoping for the best and recalling Sussanoo's teaching was just too painful of an idea to entertain.

She looked on as Elsa sighed audibly, flattening her ears to her skull in shame and felt nothing but pity mixed with a bit of endearment for her little pout. Then another idea took precedent. If Elsa was grounded by gravity and couldn't meet Ryu in the sky then Ryu would fall to Elsa.

A large splashing wave nearly took Elsa under the water, when her vision cleared she looked into depth seeing Ryu gracefully curve back to the surface.

Her wet fur matted against her forehead blocking her eyes entirely. Elsa snickered at the sight nudging the rouge fur away. In thanks Ryu splashed her again with a sweep of her paw ducking under before Elsa could retaliate.

Elsa sucked in a gulp of air diving after her Gecko.

This was much easier than flying albeit a bit odd with a set of different appendages, Elsa still managed to develop a rhythm to quicken her strides in the water. She caught sight of Ryu creating patterns from her speed as she twirled and danced in an environment that had been her home for years.

A familiar face appeared in front of Elsa, Nokk neighed and touched her muzzle carefully. When her identity was confirmed he began to prance around them.

Seeing Ryu go to the left Elsa swam to the right and followed her back up to the surface. As they breached their entire bodies from the ocean and felt the night breeze, Elsa caught Ryu's eye as well as her breath. Sinking back down into the depths. It was exhilarating for Elsa, their underwater ballet. Between the moon's light and Ryu's light coloration Elsa never lost sight of her despite the water being so dark.

Eventually they returned to land soaked and smiling. Elsa waited for Ryu to catch her breath avoiding the sand she flung around as she rolled in it, and Elsa would have sworn Ryu became extra rambunctious trying to pelt her with a mouthful on purpose.

Standing Ryu shook her pelt nearly clean before following Elsa back into the woods. As they walked occasionally one would bump the other's haunch.

Elsa must have found the perfect spot and signaled for them to stop sitting down by a river bank, watching the fireflies glide across the foliage. Joining her, Ryu thought of their night and all the wonderful surprises it brought. Just when she believed that living here with Elsa couldn't get any better, the spirit just had to go and prove her wrong time and time again.

She waited several minutes torn between staying put or doing what felt so natural and yet strange. Staring at Elsa's placated expression of pure tranquility she could see the woman beneath the surface of scales and fangs. The woman she loved so dearly, the curator of her emotions. Was this how Elsa saw her?

It was so bizarre and pleasant to see this perspective that Elsa seemed to have all the time.

Elsa had cemented the ideal to Ryu that sometimes things happen beyond anyone's control as if they have life of their own. So many ideas she had now, they had been written in her pages because of Elsa.

Ryu felt her stiffness when she nuzzled underneath her chin, until eventually Elsa returned her affections dragging her tongue against Ryu's forehead.

She grinned to herself when she heard Elsa choke quietly on some leftover sand.

You are my creator and I'm your survivor, a builder to my home.

To say Elsa was stunned to see Ryu awake was an understatement. So much so she felt a bit self conscious as the dragon kept her locked under an assessing gaze as she readied her morning routine at her vanity. Ryu hadn't been in bed that morning worrying Elsa sick until she emerged from the woods looking more haggard than usual as she slinked inside the window and onto the bed.

Elsa had expected her to fall asleep but instead she lay awake staring at the ceiling until her ogling shifted to Elsa's.

As she watched Elsa's deft fingers comb her hair to perfection Elsa could see the questions swirling behind Ryu's tired looking eyes.

She fixed Ryu with a teasing stare, then she said, "So? What's going on in that head of yours?" with a smirk.

Ryu frowned and lightly bit her lip. "Hm." She thought of what to say then spoke up attempting to sound casual. "Had any dreams last night?"

The fact that Elsa's fastidious hands ceased their grooming told Ryu all she needed to know.

"I had a peculiar dream… " Elsa began prudently. "Why do you ask?" When Ryu didn't answer immediately Elsa's brows raised to her hairline to emphasize the question.

"Oh just checked on you later in the night and your face looked… disturbed. I hope it wasn't a bad dream." Ryu fiddled with her fingers glancing up from the floor.

She saw Elsa's shoulder sink down as she relaxed. "No it wasn't."

"Oh okay… what was it about?"

Elsa frowned wondering where this fascination in her nightly visions came from. Usually Ryu would only ask if she had been plagued by a nightmare and if she hadn't or if she didn't wish to speak of it she'd let her be but this morning she seemed queerly adamant. Still– Elsa sighed, placing down the brush– she couldn't think of a reason to not tell Ryu.

"It's silly really but… I was a dragon and we…went swimming together." A fond smile appeared on Elsa's face as she recalled the memory then egged on by Ryu she continued describing her "dream" all while conveniently leaving out the little detail of her not figuring out how to fly.

"That sounds… like a really nice dream." Ryu said softly as she settled against Elsa's body, enjoying the way their contrasting temperatures complimented each other.

Elsa entangled their hands and lifted their joined fingers to her lips, pressing them with cold kisses. She mumbled into Ryu's skin. "I wish you could have been there."

Ryu grinned adoringly at her, kissing her forehead. "You telling me about it is more than enough, don't let what ifs ruin a perfectly good thing."

"Besides-" she stood up, heading for the bed laying down. Wistfully she closed her eyes. "I had my own dream."

"Oh? I didn't see you go to sleep this morning." Elsa, being too occupied, didn't see the smirk on Ryu's lips but heard it as she spoke.

Dear Elsa, you don't have to go to sleep to dream.

"Hai! I had a dream that you also turned into a dragon and you were beautiful and couldn't fly so you crashed into the water like a baby bird."

Elsa's silence was telling, Ryu could hear the woman internally screaming and most likely doubting her own sanity.

A soft thud woke her up to see Elsa standing at the door looking like a drenched cat.

"What was that for?" Ryu chuckled retrieving the offending pillow when she heard Elsa's crotchety words.

"I don't know but something tells me you deserve it. Now come on." Elsa replied as she slowly walked over to the other side of the bed.

"For what?" Ryu whined, she just wanted to sleep.

"For that haircut I promised to give you." Ryu groaned she was exhausted but very well couldn't tell Elsa now that she hadn't been to sleep at all.

She trapped herself. Begrudgingly Ryu rose from the bed following the very pleased Elsa downstairs.

If Elsa thought she was going down without a fight she had another thing coming to her.

"Stop. Are you unable to sit still even for five minutes?" Elsa already knew the answer to this question. One would have to see it to believe it, that Ryu was the exasperated one between the two of them. With her dramatic sighs and groans.

Elsa frowned, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth, referencing the strip of hair clutched between her fingers and the reflection in the mirror. "How do you… cut in straight lines?"

"That's not something I would want to hear from a barber." She could somewhat agree with Olaf's statement, she knew how to style her own hair with the help of her magic and sometimes aided Anna. She met her match when it came to cutting it. As much as she tried convincing Ryu to let her hair grow out a bit more, sprinkling in and lavishing the dragon with compliments, they settled on a compromise to trim it up to her ears.

Which presented an issue, Ryu displayed how trusting she would be with a more experienced person holding sharp objects anywhere near her neck and face thus getting herself banned from every barber in Arendelle.

The only person she tolerated with the task struggled to not slice the scissors through unevenly all while keeping her client still for just a second.

"Ryu-" Elsa always considered herself an incredibly patient person, today Ryu was determined to see how deep that patient river ran. "Head straight." Instead of pulling away after she forced Ryu's head forward.

Elsa gripped the top of it firmly, hoping to telegraph what she wanted through touch.

"What does a cow call their disappointing son?"

"What?" Usually Elsa was more receptive of Ryu's wonderful puns than others but now her brows remained furrowed while trying to figure out the enigma that was Ryu's hair.

"A misteak." Elsa had to roll her eyes to keep from laughing.

"Stop it. Don't lick my scissors."

Ryu hummed as a spoon was roughly shoved into her mouth, she worked her tongue around to remove the pumpkin seeds, spitting them back out for replanting.

"Ah ah-" her palm blocked another spoonful from entering past her lips. "Nina, you're becoming worse than Ada and Aiden- San." Honeymaren interrupted her chuckle with the loud thunk of a pumpkin she hefted onto the table.

"What are you complaining about, it's free food." Wiping her brow she winked at Ryu picking up a carving knife.

"If you don't want any, just say no or run away. Either one works." Ryu shook her head at this, explaining briefly that it was rude to refuse food in Japan.

"Do you have pumpkins in Japan?" Nina asked, shaking Ryu's arm, making it extra difficult to finish embroidering the waist sash she planned to give Ryder after he lost his on a cliff side herding.

"Yes Nina, we have pumpkins in Japan." With one eye closed Ryu carefully finished the second to last stitch, it wasn't as elaborate as the others and what they could make but she felt quite proud of her ability so far, even being called a quick learner by Sikka.

Over the autumn season she found herself spending more and more time with Elsa's tribe; either helping them with chores, herding duties with Honeymaren and Ryder, meditation with Yelena and the elders, hanging out with some younger members to partake in what they called fun– which consisted of going into abandoned tunnels or exploring, and learning how to work wood or the cloth from anyone who had the spare time to teach her.

Even in her endeavors to learn Ryu also found herself falling into the habit of teaching and answering any questions the children had about her travels and what she knew of the world which was very little but her stories dazzled them all the same.

The domestic lifestyle which occasionally held adventures was becoming a comfort to the dragon. She was beginning to understand the importance of the traditions and costumes that Elsa and Anna held so close to their hearts.

Speaking of traditions…

"It's time! It's time!" The hollering drew Ryu and Honeymaren's attention to the center of the village. They searched through the gathering crowds to spot Elsa and Nokk proudly riding in accompanied by Anna and the other spirits.

Ryu stayed to the sidelines, allowing the tribe to greet Anna as warmly as they did with Elsa albeit more enthusiastically having not seen her as often.

The sleigh Kristoff, Olaf and Sven hauled in bared gifts of food, drink and other bounty. Watching them talk in jubilation made Ryu conclude the harvest season suited them well. They all looked quite handsome in their autumn inspired attire, a beautiful mixture of reds, oranges, creams, and browns.

As the sleigh was unloaded the scents of cinnamon and honey wafted in the air drawing in more children.

"I can't see." A boy complained trying to maneuver around the gathered bodies.

Ryu knelt down and tapped her shoulders. "Up-up." When she stood at full height supporting his weight she heard him groan.

"Well this is a little better."

"Hey!" She complained then squatted down. "How's this?" He giggled.

"No higher not lower!"

"Oh so like this?"

"No!"

"Really Anna, are you expecting us to eat this all in one night?" Anna raised a brow at Honeymaren looking over the sleigh.

"Aren't you?" Anna's smile grew toothy. When she pulled back a particular cloth Honeymaren gasped reaching in.

"You brought Fattigmans nevermind this is more than enough." Kristoff laughed watching the woman grab two more into her hands already digging in. "Yep as par requested."

"Thanks Kris." Ryder said gracefully.

He nodded in acknowledgment. "And there's more where that came from." he admitted.

"Ada and Aiden have been losing their minds and have so many dishes for you guys to try."

"Oh I bet." Elsa grabbed Anna's shoulders pulling her in close. "My taste buds can finally have a break cause you're swapping in."

"It's free food, what're you complaining about?" She playfully berated to which Honeymaren agreed vehemently then set her sights on Sven.

"Hey Olaf, come with me, Ryu and I have a surprise for ya." Honeymaren's voice sounded odd but Anna didn't question it

Olaf looked utterly thrilled at the suspense, taking quick steps on Sven's back and throwing himself off the reindeer hard enough to send his friend scooting a few inches to the left. "Ooh I love secrets!"

The tribe settled to feast and dance when it came time for the little ones to get their stories told by the Elders and whenever they begged Elsa as well to tell of her adventures and the wisdom shared with her by Ahtohollan.

Of course some of the more violent aspects she always censored into a joke or something silly enough to make the children and even some adults laugh.

Olaf took center stage with the help of Gale and Bruni to regale his poem-song he'd been working extra hard on this season.

"Now the day has begun and the shepherd sun herds his white flocks to the sky.

Till the gentle moon's beams twinkle on silver streams so the sun's rays must say goodbye.

In the morning, the flower beds that rested their sweet heads lift up desperate for sun's warm embrace,

As the swaying breeze dances through the trees and lands on our soft beautiful face."

His audience clapped while the little snowman bowed and hugged the especially proud Elsa. She recalled him coming to her for advice as he did whenever the seasons changed to write goodbye poems to the last one and how it would be missed until it returned again.

With the food eaten and children all tired out from dancing in playing in the leaves and snow Elsa stood entering her goahti for a few moments. "Be right back."

"Are you all ready?" Anna jumped into Kristoff's arms hearing the creepy voice from behind. Honeymaren snickered, holding up her lantern casting an eerie glow across her features.

"Oh ho we are so ready!" Ryder punched his palm and began gathering up the adolescents for their journey into the woods.

Anna took a deep breath reassuring herself that so long as she kept her cool nothing was going to happen. It was just the way the moon hid behind the thin ghostly clouds which slank across the black sky like poltergeists hunting for their next victim or the way the wood of the trees creaked as Gale gusted by them was already creating goosebumps along her arms and neck.

"Nah uh Nunenuk go back to the village you're not old enough to join us yet." Honeymaren chastised the boy who huffed and stomped back to the safety of the campfire.

"Did I miss anything?" Anna jolted at the sound of her sister's voice who seemingly just appeared out of thin air next to her.

"No," Ryu shook her head and raked her eyes over the black dress and pointed hat Elsa had put on smiling. "But you look great." Elsa blushed, hugging herself as they began the trek into the north part of the woods.

"Thank you, I figured since I'm not telling any stories I may as well dress for the occasion."

"Halt, this place is perfect." Honeymaren's hands went akimbo as she took in the dark clearing surrounded by trees, the moon glinting between the branches made them appear as if the forests had grown arms ready to snatch any who wandered away on our own.

"So Ryu since this is your first ever De vandrende sjelenes natt-" Honeymaren began grandly. Ryu merely tilted her head at the sudden language shift.

"What souls are wandering?"

Kristoff shrugged, setting out the blankets draped upon Sven's back.

"Oh we don't know, but it's said at midnight the souls of the undead and other ghouls get to traverse the earth annually, some legends say they go after the unsuspecting innocent and others say they punish the deserving-" his finger pointed to the sky. "or those who wronged them in their past life."

Ryu scrunched her face. "Well that seems a little petty."

Anna seemed to envy Olaf's ability to see the brighter side to everything even the more gory side of others tales; he mimicked the deaths with thrilling screams accomplishing a disturbing accuracy scaring Sven almost lifeless.

"Sven it's okay it's just me Olaf I'm not really dead." The snowman hugged his friend's muzzle tightly.

Elsa closed her eyes, shaking her head at the group. She didn't really think she had any tales appropriate enough for the age range of those attending the spooky hike, though they all thought themselves adults here.

The true horror of her travels she wouldn't tell even some weathered soldiers, so instead she saved the wonders and fantastical moments for the children and Elders.

"So hey Erusa-" Ryu drew her attention away from Ryder using his cloak to imitate bat wings for his audience. She looked nervous, scratching the nape of her neck and scuffing her shoe in the dirt.

"Not to be a shot in the dark but I get the feeling that spooky stories aren't really your thing." Elsa raised a brow, coyly playing with the tree bark she was leaning against.

"Oh?" Replied Elsa, caught slightly off guard.

Waving her hands frantically, chuckling as if Elsa would take offense to this. "Not that you can't handle it or anything but I mean I know you're just chaperoning. They do have Anna, and Kristoff, and Honeymaren here sooo if you just so happened to be absent I think they'd be fine and probably wouldn't even notice. Not! That your presence isn't noticeable just uh-"

"Ryu?"

"Yes?" Chuckling Elsa fixed the lapels of her upturned collar lowering her voice to a near mumble. "Subtly is not a gift you've been blessed with."

In the snap of a finger the jitters melted away from Ryu's mannerisms. Replaced with a lopsided smirk, hooded eyes and a mischievously blasé tone of voice, Ryu jutted her thumb over her shoulder.

"Wanna go make out in the woods for twenty minutes?"

Elsa playfully tapped her chin humming in thought. "Absolutely, yes."

Hearing Anna's forlorn sigh had Kristoff looking in the direction her eyes were pointed, through the flames of the small bonfires he caught sight of Elsa and Ryu jogging hand in hand to who knew where to do who knew what. Whatever it was he inside felt like he didn't need to know.

"What?" His shoulder playfully bumped Anna's. "You wanted to go sneaking into the woods with Ryu like a lovesick teenager?"

Anna shook her head, closing her eyes. "Nope, Sven."

"Oh come on, not my best friend." Kristoff jested back.

"That's usually how it goes isn't it?"

Kristoff chuckled, looping his arm around her waist leading her to their blanket. "Don't worry we'll get our chance when they get back."

"If they get back. Elsa gets some action while we're stuck at home with kids." The very notion itself felt foreign to the both of them, who knew that their sister could be such a closeted casanova?

A single finger pressed against her puckered lips, improvising Ryu tried to capture that finger in her mouth but she wasn't fast enough.

"What! You pressed me against the tree, I'll remind you." Elsa giggled at her indignity of being refused any intimate attention.

"I know, I know but I have something I want to show you." And with that Elsa was gone, waving Ryu to follow eagerly.

"But Erusa-" the woman whined.

"Come on!"

And thus began a game of mock chase, the dragon pursued her winter nymph diligently seeking the kisses she'd been promised, until they found their finger interlocked slowing down their brief run to a leisure walk, enjoying the atmosphere of the forest, protected by its concealing trees and fauna. The animals which occasionally crossed paths weren't confused by the odd pair, only the bold would sniff and linger curious then moving on with their life.

Elsa was certain that if others could feel even just for a second the peace and warmth this sweet creature beside her brought into her life she was sure they'd understand.

"I don't know- it's just hard to find the woods scary when I've seen the beauty and goodness it all has, if that makes any sense."

"No it does me too though I try not harp on it too much for the younger ones. Don't want to spoil their fun." Ryu chuckled weakly, breaking a twig multiple times over with her idle fingers.

"Yea, I guess the true reason for horror is because of perspective." This statement is what drew a puzzled expression from Elsa who opened her mouth but Ryu had beat her to speaking.

"Like say for instance-" Elsa allowed her to continue seeing how immersed Ryu was with the prospect. "You see me as a dragon here alone in the dark, how'd you feel?"

Elsa recalled seeing Ryu for the first time. The emotions of that moment were still raw as if it just happened yesterday. The wonder that consumed her to the point that she couldn't even breathe. Little did she know their chance encounter could lead to all the spectacular things they had now.

"Well for one I was starstruck, I couldn't even exhale with how amazing it felt. Seeing you there… I could hardly believe that the other's reports were true; they were so different from how you actually were… are."

When her eyes met Ryu's, the dragon was finally speechless. Emotion choked down in a swallow, bobbing her throat.

A cough came before her next point. "Right but imagine how a mere traveler would feel, I've seen it before. They'd be petrified, so perspective. It matters. Everyone has a different color window they see the world from."

"You remembered?" Elsa breathed.

"I more than remember. I… I've traveled the world yet I haven't seen that much of anything until I met you, and you taught me how to see things from others' views and it's amazing and sometimes scary but matters. You showed me that, Erusa."

"Let's go." Clutching her hand Ryu found herself standing in front of the same stream she and Dragon-Elsa came to the other night, sitting up on a fallen log.

She searched Elsa's features for any signs of recollection and only found bliss decorating her small smile and twinkling eyes.

"So with all that in mind, have you seen my perspective on you yet?"

There was nothing more that Ryu wanted in that moment than to make Elsa proud and happy with a lie but couldn't bring herself to do it. She sighed, lowering her sights from the beautiful stream to the leaves scattered across the ground.

Instead Ryu tried to think of anything redeemable about herself. Every good thing that popped up into her mind had a different face than her own. Then she thought of Yelena's words which reminded her of how she would protect the forest and everyone in her life with all that was.

That has to be a good thing right?

The lack of a response made Elsa open her eyes and shift her attention directly onto Ryu's face.

Glancing up at Elsa's expectant expression she smiled small. "I think I'm starting to."

They stared for a few seconds hearing only the croaking of frogs, birds and the trinkles of water flowing.

Her truth was rewarded with the soft cold press of Elsa's lips against her own. They molded to each other's mouth, their breaths mingled as the small kiss became a second, then a third, a prolonged fourth that probably tripled in numbers if anyone was keeping count. Their bodies shifted gently against each other. Elsa pulled away slightly to focus on the searing heat that was Ryu's mouth, nipping her bottom lip sharply. Ryu growled and kissed her back fervently. Elsa giggled knowing her dragon enjoyed the rough treatment.

Tilting her head to deepen the embrace, Ryu could feel Elsa's whispering touch trail up her arms to cup her cheeks, stroking them gently, until a strong force of the wind pressed against their backs, rustling their hair.

It couldn't have been anyone else other than Gale. When Elsa's mouth ventured to Ryu's neck the dragon peaked an eye open giving a thumb up to the other spirit before returning her attention back to Elsa for more nuzzling and heavy petting.

"And so orphans were never heard from again, apparently the orphanage closed but they were never adopted out; so the question lies unanswered- where did they go?" Despite Anna's incredible dramatics her adolescent tribe members looked bored.

"That wasn't very scary." They looked up, spotting Ryu leaning against a tree with her arms crossed, smug as usual.

"What, you weren't even here for it." Taking inventory of the dull expressions, Ryu examined their faces deliberately slow, finally landing on Anna's.

"Besides none of the stories have been scary tonight."

Now Ryder gaped, taking umbrage. "Oh yea? Why don't you give it a shot Gecko?"

Ryu shook her head. "Don't call me that." She rubbed her chin regarding them all. "The scariest stories are true, nothing is more frightening than real life. I know one true story-" shoving her hands in her pockets she hissed in a breath. "But I don't think I should say, it's a bit interactive and well…"

"Oh come on, just tell it!" Honeymaren goaded, casting a wink to Ryu that only Kristoff caught.

"Okay but whoever partakes has to be willing to commit-"

"Murder!" Anna squawked flabbergasted.

"What? No god! Anna calm down." Of course overhearing only parts of the conversation in swooped Elsa with a light scowl.

"I heard commiting murder over here that's not happening and incredibly inappropriate."

"Murder is inappropriate?" Kristoff laughed out.

Elsa nodded, remaining resolute. "And other things."

"Alright relax no one is commiting Murder-" Anna and Elsa looked at each other.

"Why did you say it like that?" Ryu ignored Elsa's question, rounding up some help to gather candles from their supply bags for Bruni to light and employed Gale and Nokk to extinguish the bonfires, making the forest grow all the more darker.

With Elsa sitting behind her to supervise and everyone else holding their candle in front of them it was time to begin.

"Now this is less of a story and more of a ritual, those who do not wish to partake leave now because once we start there's no going back." Checking around all of her friends stayed resolute, minus Olaf who took his responsibility of comforting Sven to keep him from leaping into Anna and Kristoff's arms which once resulted in a broken ankle.

"On a moonlit night one hundred samurai warriors sit in a circle with candles ready to perform the Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai. During such a time, when the sky was at its darkest, guests gathered taking turns orating stories of ghoulish encounters and horrific tales passed on by villagers or those who claimed to have experienced encounters themselves. The tales became known as kaidan. Upon the end of each kaidan, the story-teller would extinguish one candle." When Elsa caught herself leaning in too close over Ryu's shoulder, she grinned. She already knew her little dragon was an amazing raconteuse able to capture many with her words including Elsa.

"However when we reach the last kaidan, we must try to survive the night as the spirits or entity that we summoned roams around and possibly takes a friend with them."

"What's the catch?" Honeymaren asked, squinting her eyes at Ryu who smiled with closed eyes.

"There always is one, your stories while scary must be true and if they aren't you may fall prey to whatever is called here tonight. Are you ready?" One by one the candles were blown out by their storyteller casting the group in dimmer light.

Ryu tried to keep her face stoic, knowing many of the kaidans were not true. A smirk was ever teasing her lips but she did not break character.

Finally it came down to her single flame which she stared into speaking gravely.

"My story happened when I was just a chick. I had long since left the Mikoto house and was roaming the Ezo countryside when I came across a group of one hundred samurai. I had no idea what they were doing in the forest sitting in a circle so I watched. The leader explained he suspected that there were cowards and liars among his clan; so he told them the same thing I told you. The rules and only grave consequences befell those who broke the rules. So one by one the men told their Kaidans, and one by one their candles went out. When all the candles went out it was almost so pitch black I couldn't see anything, only what the moon allowed me to see."

Ryu's eyes moved slowly to the woods that encircled them. "That's when I heard it. A piercing scream that did not sound distressed but hungry traveled through the night air, chilling it like winter just decided to come and not wait for autumn to end." So engrossed by her words it was then the group took notice of the colder temperature. A shrill cry from the forest made some leap up and some yelp.

"What happened next!" Sikka demanded.

"Then someone was taken, dragged into the bushes, not seen again. One by one just as their candles did, the ones who lied about their stories were picked off by horrible sounds and movements in the dark shadows."

"Wha-what did they look like?" Ryder glanced around worriedly. Ryu chuckled humorously, growing pale.

"I didn't dare look. The sounds were enough. So I hid listening to the men be slaughtered by a creature I only wanted to exist in my imagination. Gazing at it would just confirm it was real and… as I said before… reality is more terrifying than anything we are capable of imagining."

Honeymaren screamed as she was dragged by her leg first into the woods. Followed by Ryder who shrieked. The young teenagers screaming in terror scrambled to their feet hurrying for the village.

Anna acted quickly grabbing Kristoff's pickaxe faster than he could ready to defend against the threat backing her husband, Olaf, Sven, and sister behind her.

"Anna, it's okay."

"What?" Her question was answered when Honeymaren and Ryder came from the bushes dusting themselves off, followed by Bruni and Olaf. They didn't at all appear to have been assaulted by some evil ghoul. Instead they were laughing uncontrollably with Ryu.

"But I thought- the screaming?" Anna pointed in the direction of the noise.

"That was Olaf and Bruni, you didn't notice they were missing."

Olaf hugged the little Salamander to his chest. "Ooh I do hope we gave them the best De vandrende sjelenes natt ever!" He cheered.

"Okay but I watched you two get dragged off Bruni is not strong enough-"

"That was Gale."

"Okay but it got way colde-" her words died when Kristoff deadpanned, pointing to Elsa who looked to be feeling both guilt and pride at what they accomplished.

"Do you think we went too far?" Elsa looked on in the direction the others ran off in. Honeymaren hugged her shoulders, still laughing and waving off the notion.

"Whaaat? No, besides they learned a valuable lesson."

Anna sighed, reluctantly releasing more of the indignation she felt growing toward their her family. "Kristoff?" Before Anna could ask he was already holding her hand for the hike back.

"Ryu?"

"Hm?"

"Was that story true?"

"Oh most definitely." When Elsa halted in her tracks Ryu quickly began assuaging her worries that maybe they did summon something by completing the ritual.

"No, for one it has to be done inside three rooms, and two we did not do it correctly by any means. Nothing to worry ab-"

Another cry echoed throughout the air, Elsa tried to identify the animal but her list of contenders was far too long be it foxes, or elk, it could have been anything.

"You know-" Ryu started reaching for Ryder and Elsa. "Maybe we should all hold hands for the walk back."

"Absolutely!"

"Ryu-" Elsa said tenderly in response to the tickling of Ryu's tiny nips to her neck. Her hands fell to the sash around her waist, pulling it loose.

"Oh good you're up!" The couple jerked apart when a frantic Anna scrambled into their dwelling, closing the goahti ties shut.

"Anna is something wrong?"

"Yes, I have to admit I am a little spooked and sleeping on the floor is not going to cut it."

Ryu tilted her head. "Aren't you sleeping with Kristoff tonight?"

Huffing she began counting on her fingers. "Yes and so is Olaf, and Sven, and somehow Ryder- I don't even know where he came from, and his snores sound like some cursed being from the underworld."

Ryu nodded understandingly. "Yeah he snores."

"Can I sleep in here with you guys? You won't even notice me, I'll be as quiet as a mouse." Glancing to Ryu, Elsa pulled back the blankets on the bed- well she'd call it a nest before saying it was bed now that Ryu took residence with her.

"Ouch." Anna winced, removing her foot from Ryu's stomach, apologizing as she tumbled and squeezed in between the pair letting out a puff of relieved air as she got more comfortable feeling safer already.

"Nice, this is nice. Goodnight." She exchanged kisses to Ryu and Elsa who shrugged, settling in, their previous plans totally forgotten in favor of listening to Anna snore into the night scaring away any ghoulish monster.

Notes: De vandrende sjelenes natt- Nordic for Night of the wandering souls.

Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai- is now a parlour game but the exact origins of Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai are unknown, it was believed that it was first played amongst the samurai class as a test of courage.

In Ogita Ansei's 1660 nursery tale "Otogi Monogatari" a version of the game was described in which the narrative tells of several young samurai telling tales in the Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai fashion. In the tale, as one samurai finished the one hundredth tale, he began to extinguish the candle when suddenly he sees a giant gnarled hand descend upon him from above. While some of the samurai cowered in fear, a swipe of his sword revealed the hand to be merely the shadow of a spider.

Kaidan- Kaidans are as Ryu describes them tales shared by villagers in Japan of supernatural encounters

Ezo- is now known in modern day as Hokkaido before 1869 Wajin, ethnic Japanese people, knew it as Ezo. it was the home of the Yamato people or the Wajin which make up some populations in Japan